Certify and Validate

Launched earlier this year and developed by the Light Steel Frame Association (LSFA) – a new Technology Validation Guide outlines accreditations that certify system performance, robust testing protocols and informative guidelines to support those manufacturing and specifying light steel framing systems.

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Technology Validation Guide

LABC Assured (previously Registered Details) is a one-off building regulations and standards assessment process for England, Wales and Scotland. It should be noted that LABC are no longer considering new applications and existing registrations will only remain in place until their expiry date. They will not be considered for renewal and will be subsequently removed from the LABC register/ website at the date of expiry. www.labc.co.uk/professionals/registrationschemes/labc-assured

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Provided by the National House Building Council, a fast-track route for acceptance of LSF products and systems for use in homes covered by all NHBC Warranty and insurance policies www.nhbc.co.uk/builders/products-andservices/techzone/accepts

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The steel Construction Institute provides a range of certification schemes which are applicable to LSF, including SCI Product Certification, Stage 1 Certificates and SCI Assessed. www.steel-sci.com/sci-certification-andassessment.html

Construction Products Regulations 2020 Provided by UK-based notified bodies who review the products and assign a ‘UKCA’ mark for products aimed at the UK market, which replaced CE marking. Note UKCA Marking is mandatory from January 2023. With regards to LSF technology the harmonised European standard that applies to structural metalwork is BS EN 1090-1:2009 +A1:2011. Under the requirements of the Northern Ireland Protocol products used market UKNI marking is required. www.gov.uk/guidance/construction-productsregulation-in-great-britain#constructionISO Accreditations International Organisation for Standardisation develop International Standards but are not involved in their certification. This is performed by external certification bodies. These certificates show that a business has demonstrated that quality, environmental management and health and safety credentials have been independently assessed. Certificates are: ISO 9001 Quality Management SystemISO 14001 Environmental managementISO 45001 Health and Safety managementwww.iso.org When validating LSF technology, ISO accreditations can be beneficial in demonstrating conformity. The principal certificates are noted below, with ISO 9001 being significant in regard to control of quality. Holding this certificate is a requirement of some bodies as it notes the standards and procedures they work to.

www.lsf-association.co.uk

Information Typically Required for Certification Applications

When validating a build system as part of the application for certification comprehensive supporting data for components or elements used is beneficial. To expediate the process quickly this data needs to be specific and where possible already having been reviewed i.e. through an accepted certification such as BBA or similar. This is particularly beneficial when looking at validation such as NHBC Accepts, as the NHBC generally require products which have been previously assessed by an accredited body to be included. To simplify the review process creating a suite of documents that outline the build system is beneficial. These documents may include System Manual, Business Process Manual, Structural Design Philosophy and Installation Manual. The requirement for the contents of these documents are broadly the same across the validation options outlined in this document. DOCUMENTS FOR SUBMISSION System Manual System Manual is a document which outlines the build system and notes the level of performance achieved. The data generally includes: • System overview including build-ups of the key elements in the build system• Technical data for components required to complete a structure• Design processes and procedures• Building physics data• Safety in use• MEP principles• Demonstration of conformity Reference can be made to structural performance but this would only be at high level if a Structural Design Philosophy document is part of the supporting data.

Structural Design Philosophy Structural design philosophy documents are intended to outline the engineering principles which need to be applied when designing a structure using a build system. These documents would be used by the structural engineer creating the calculations and would typically include: • Intended use• Engineering/design approach• Structural integrity and robustness• Structural components used• Section properties• Loads implied including wind loads• Serviceability limits for floors and walls• Resistance to overturning/anchorage• Accuracy and tolerances Business Process Manual Business Process Manuals give an outline of the processes and procedures required to deliver a quality product. The BPM would include items such as: • Context of the organisation• Management• Performance evaluation• Continuous improvement/non-conformances ISO certificates Installation Manual These manuals give an overview of the process and are particularly important where the installation is carried out by a third party/subcontractor. Installation manuals typically include the following:• Quality control and reporting• Risk identification• Critical safety considerations• Sequence of operations• Lifting• Testing and commissioning• Inspections and handover 9

Light steel frame (LSF) technology is widely utilised throughout the UK construction industry and LSFA (Light Steel Frame Association) members have demonstrated that the construction method is a durable, highly efficient alternative to traditional construction methods. Whilst light steel frame systems are often seen as innovative or as a modern method of construction, they are actually a proven, established method with high levels of certification, backed-up by rigorous testing. The new document outlines the certifications that can be obtained to validate system performance, the type of testing required and sets guidelines to help both those manufacturing and specifying systems. It has been deliberately set as a high-level overview and is intended to point the reader to places where further information is available.

As a proven and well-established offsite manufactured technology, light steel frame is trusted and widely

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used throughout the UK across all construction sectors however, this document covers residential and commercial bedspace only. The type of certification selected for LSF technology is determined by the type of system, the sector in which it is being used and the design parameters of the structures.

Validation is provided by a variety of organisations, who carry out an assessment of the build system. There are numerous types of providers, and

whilst the majority relevant to LSF construction are included, it should be noted that there may be other providers who offer an acceptable level of validation.

Certification is underpinned by supporting data which validates the system, the level of data is driven by the type of system used and complexity thereof. A highlevel overview of the certifications, warranties etc. in relation to the use of light gauge steel frame is given in the Guide in relation to the three main system types. These include:

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SFS Infill/Oversail Systems

SFS Infill/Oversail systems generally require a lower level of certification and therefore validation through testing is less onerous as these are typically non-loadbearing elements of structure. That said these systems can benefit from achieving the majority of available certifications.

Panelised Systems

Walls in panelised systems can be either open or closed frame technology. In closed walls, this is a full through wall system which will include either the external or internal linings, or potentially both. The prospective certifications for both systems are the same, however the level of fire testing for validation purposes is higher for a closed panel system. Where the external façade is included as part of the system other areas of assessment such as weathertightness and loads imposed by the façade need to be taken into account. In panelised systems walls and floors are generally tested as individual, standalone elements.

Modular Systems

Certifications, testing etc. for modular build systems are similar to panelised systems and the same principles can be used. However, as the wall and floor/roof elements are formed as one structure in addition to separate wall and floor fire tests there are opportunities for fire testing of the whole module.

Freely available to download from the LSFA’s website, the Technology Validation Guide includes the accreditation pathway determined by the type of system, the construction sector and design parameters of the structure. Testing is required for the structural elements along with building physics data for fire, thermal, acoustic, and structural performance, for example. The types of testing along with the organisations who can carry out this work are highlighted in the document along with the relevant test standards.

Established to influence legislation, regulation and to support the overall objectives and growth of the sector, the Light Steel Frame Association is raising awareness of the cost, performance and productivity benefits and supporting the specification of light steel framing systems.

The Validation Guide provides a concise high-level overview which signposts construction professionals to valuable and trusted sources where further information is available. For more information on the LSFA and to download the Light Steel Frame Technology Validation Guide, go to: www.lsf-association.co.uk

Images:

01. LSFA Technology Validation Guide 02. Sandgate Pavilions, Courtesy Ayrshire Metals